2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the historic Afro-Asian Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia, where 29 nations gathered to discuss economic and political unity, igniting the concept of what is now known as the Global South. The event also inspired the Afro-Asian Film Festival, held three times: in Tashkent (1958), Cairo (1960) and Jakarta (1964), which laid the groundwork for a film culture of resistance and reform.
As part of the IFFR 2025 programme Focus: Through Cinema We Shall Rise!, this panel brings the ‘Spirit of Bandung’ into contemporary and practical focus, thinking about exchanges and collaborations within the film industries of the ‘Global South’ and beyond. It will look at strategies within national industries, pan-Asian and Afro-Asian co-productions and distribution, the festival circuit and related funding schemes as well as possible alternative and future ways of dissemination of film.
Moderated by author and academic Elena Razlogova, with film directors Garin Nugroho (Whispers in the Dabbas) and Giasuddin Selim (Kajolrekha), filmmaker, writer and researcher Adi Osman (Forum Lenteng), producer and festival director Rina Damayanti (Jakarta Film Week).
Film still: Five Golden Flowersby Wang Jiayi, 1959, China, Focus: Through Cinema We Shall Rise!
All the Pro Dialogues are freely accessible to accredited badge-holders – no pre-booking necessary.
